Smartphones can be used for far more applications than people ever expected. In fact, it’s even possible to use one to run an entire business.
When it comes to media projects like filming video or recording audio, not everyone knows how to get the best quality possible.
This is especially true with recording since higher quality videos are often achieved through a higher quality camera. Fortunately, there are simple methods you can try to get the results you need.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about how to record audio on your phone
Sound Treatment
This message generally only applies to those who record their own voice indoors, but it’s essential to take it into consideration if it’s relevant to you.
As sound waves travel to a microphone, they pass through it, reflect off of walls and other surfaces, and then return to it before passing again.
In an entirely untreated room such as a typical bedroom with their walls, this will produce a very metallic, unprofessional sound as the end result.
For things like YouTube videos and podcasts, this will severely lower the quality of your finished product and make it difficult to build an audience. In some cases, it may even deter people from interacting with your content in the future.
Fortunately, sound treatment can be done relatively quickly for a low price and in most cases.
By far the most simple way to do so is to use thick, heavy blankets and place them around your room. For example, you could place these blankets in a corner of your room and then record in that area.
These will help dampen the sound, which drastically increases the quality and makes it sound far more clear. Be sure, though, you also set up a blanket behind you.
You can also use things like towels, or clothes, etc. In fact, a small closet full of winter clothing is often a great place to record.
Eliminate Noise
We quickly become used to the noise that constantly in our environment. But, you often won’t realize how noisy your bedroom, office, etc. or until you try and record in there.
For example, your roommates sound quiet from your perspective but you’re finished recording could have the buzzing of an AC unit outside. As you may expect, this isn’t something that you want to ignore.
Instead, you want to eliminate as much noise as possible. Well as possible during postproduction to illuminate some sounds on your recording, not everything can be fixed in this way.
So, it’s best to eliminate the source altogether.
If you aren’t able to do so in your own home, it’s recommended to visit another location to record.
Get as Close as You (Comfortably) Can
Your voice will sound far clearer on your phone’s microphone when you’re closer to it. After all, the microphones in these devices weren’t meant to record audio from far away.
To help you become more comfortable with this practice, simply imagine that you’re speaking on the phone with someone when you record your audio. This will likely naturally establish the perfect distance for you to record at.
If you’re recording something else, such as an instrument, environmental noise, etc., you should still strive to get as close as you can in order to ensure the highest level of quality.
Afterword, you can clean up the recording in an audio program. Many of these are available for free and will drastically improve your final product.
You can visit this resource to learn more about how to record audio on Mac computers.
Turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’
There are few things more frustrating than pursuing a perfect audio text only to have it ruined by a phone notification. Even having your phone only on ‘vibrate’ will still produce an audible sound in the recording.
Fortunately, all you need to do is turn on the do not disturb setting on your phone to ensure that you don’t get notifications as long as it’s activated. Similarly, you can put your phone on airplane mode to eliminate the chance that someone will interrupt you.
If you’re recording someone else such as during an interview, be sure to ask them to do the same. Otherwise, their phone may end up being the culprit.
Consider Using a Microphone
Many people are unaware that there are microphones available to use with smartphone devices. And, using one is as easy as it likely seems— you simply plug it into your phone and begin recording.
Additionally, many of these are relatively cheap and are perfect for recording things like voiceovers, interviews, etc.
Keep in mind, though, that simply having a higher quality mic won’t allow you to forego proper sound treatment. In fact, it can make an untreated room sound even worse.
So, those who choose this path will need to keep these other factors in mind. When done correctly though, the audio will be far crisper and full then a phone’s built-in microphone. Here’s a great smartphone microphone you can use.
Understanding How to Record Audio on Your Phone Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn’t have to be.
With the above information about how to record audio in mind, you’ll be well on your way to
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